Post to aid homeless veterans

By ALLISON PINKERTON Correspondent

Friday

Jul 29, 2011 at 12:01 AM

AMVETS Post 312 Post Commander Terry Corson learned about poverty when he was stationed in Jordan. He remembers children playing soccer in a gravel field with a flat ball and goals made of cardboard boxes. When he came home, he was glad to have the amenities the United States provides.

When he realized that a large number of people were living in poverty in the North Port area, he decided AMVETS Post 312 should take action.

AMVETS Post 312 will host a barbecue to raise money for the homeless and hungry in North Port from 1 to 10 p.m. Saturday at the post, 7050 Chancellor Blvd., North Port.

Food will be served until 7 p.m. Mark McKinley and the Ray LoRae Show band will provide entertainment.

All proceeds will go to food pantries and shelter facilities at North Port Church of the Nazarene and Coastal Community Church of the Nazarene. Tickets are $8 or $7.50 with a nonperishable food donation.

Corson learned from area homeless service providers that almost 30 percent of the homeless in the area are veterans and that some 200 high school students from the school district are also homeless.

AMVETS is an organization dedicated to assisting veterans and their families, and he knew Post 312 should act.

"We've got to step up to the plate," he said.

He added most of the AMVETS Post 312 members have seen people struggle with poverty during their time in the service and want to eradicate it for people at home.

The Ladies Auxiliary will also volunteer their time to help the benefit run smoothly. For information, call the post at 429-5403.

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.